Symptoms of Detoxification

Symptoms of detoxification generally occur when the body is adjusting to a cleaner diet or lifestyle. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue, mood swings and sleep disorders. Depending on how many toxins are leaving the body at once, the symptoms of detoxification may be mild or severe. Also, many of detox symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue, tend to come and go.

What happens during the detox process, is that the body gives up its stored toxins and releases many of them back into the bloodstream before they can be eliminated. The problem with this is that once in the bloodstream, the toxins once again are a threat to the organs, muscles, brain and the nerves. The more toxins that float around in the blood, the worse the symptoms get.

It is important, therefore, to listen to the body and detox accordingly in order to keep the symptoms at a tolerable level.

Another reason to take it easy is because detoxing can be very stressful for the elimination organs, and in many cases, they might not be able to keep up with the elimination process. As a result, the toxins are reabsorbed back into the body as that is the body’s natural way of protecting itself.

Although it is best to avoid the extreme, any mild or moderate symptoms should be welcomed because they are a sign that the body is healing. If a rapid detox is necessary, it should be done under the guidance of a trusted health care practitioner in order to avoid further complications.

Resting throughout the detox process is recommended because it can help to ease the symptoms. This includes resting from social activities as well because the mind needs time to heal and rest the same way the body does.

So without further ado, here are some of the symptoms of detoxification:

Aches and Pains

Aches and pains can be in a specific spot or they can be widespread throughout the body. In any case, they should not be treated with drugs because that will contribute to even more toxins floating around. Getting plenty of sleep, resting in a warm bath, and drinking lots of water, are excellent ways to ease the aches and pains naturally.

Headaches or Feeling Lightheaded. Headaches are generally the first symptoms of detoxification. They are quite normal when quitting cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, meat, dairy and many other processed foods.

Muscle Aches. Muscle aches are also quite common because the toxins can pass through the muscle tissues before they are eliminated. This process can leave the muscles feeling weak and tired, however, it is generally nothing to worry about as the symptoms will gradually disappear.

Stomach Aches. Depending what one is detoxing of, stomach aches can also occur. Someone who is detoxing from cigarettes or caffeine might not experience these symptoms. But someone who is detoxing from red meat or other processed foods might experience them constantly. Again, these aches should not be feared because once the stomach re-adjusts, the aches will disappear.

Fatigue and Low Energy

Any kind of detox is difficult for the body to go through. As a result, the body tires easy throughout the day and requires a lot of sleep at night. It is important, therefore, to rest when it needs it in order to speed up the cleansing and healing process.

Weakness and Fatigue. Weakness and fatigue are another couple of very common symptoms of detoxification. The main reason why they occur is that once the body detoxes, it shifts its energy to the cleansing and healing process. As a result, the body lacks the necessary energy to carry on with regular activities.

Low Blood Sugar Levels. Low blood sugar levels can occur in cases when the body is detoxing from high doses of sugar. Generally this is nothing to worry about, however, extra caution should be taken if an underlying health problem is present. Not all are able to survive on a low sugar diet, and thus it is wise to check with a health practitioner first.

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Cravings. Cravings generally arise once the body begins to feel itself getting weak and low on energy. The cravings could be anything, but in general the body craves for whatever substances are floating around in the bloodstream.

Digestive Problems

Most likely digestive problems, such as gas, diarrhea or constipation, already existed before the detoxing began. The only thing is that during the detox the symptoms may get worse or new ones might arise.

Diarrhea. If diarrhea occurs for the first time during the detox, then it may be a sign that things are moving too fast. Slowing it down a notch might help to reduce the symptom.

Constipation. If the bowels begin to move slower than normal, it could be a sign that toxins are trying to leave faster than what the colon is able to keep up with. A gentle massage and plenty of liquids can help to get things moving again.

Mood Swings and Irritability

Emotional upsets are also very common symptoms of detoxification because when the body is stressed, the mind and the emotions become stressed as well. The best way to handle these is to isolate oneself from others, including friends and family, as much as possible. This gives one the chance to relax and strengthen the mind, which helps reduce the risk of future upsets.

Flu-like Symptoms

The process of detoxing the body is really no different than having the cold or flu because in both cases, the body is expelling stored toxins. The symptoms, therefore, can be quite similar as well. Keeping warm under a warm blanket or soaking in a hot bath can help to clear the airways and reduce some of the symptoms.

Sinus Problems. In some cases one might experience problems with a runny nose or clogged up sinuses.

Coughing. Coughing can also occur once the lungs begin to release their toxins. It can result in bringing up excess phlegm as well as dried up scar tissue or other debris from the airways.

Fever.A fever or night sweats can occur in some cases. In other cases one might experience extreme cold, particularly in the extremities.

Nausea. Nausea might also occur in many cases.

Skin Problems

The skin is a major elimination organ, and therefore, a lot of the released toxins are expelled through the skin. As a result, one might experience acne, rashes or other skin problems. The good news is that once the toxins are released, the skin will clear up.

Oral Problems

Coated or Pasty Tongue.This is a bit of a disturbing thought, but toxin also leave the body through the tongue and mouth. As a result, one might temporarily develop a white coated or pasty tongue. Cleaning the tongue frequently will help to reduce the coating, but it will keep returning until all toxins are expelled.

Metalic Taste. A metalic taste can occur in times when the body is expelling heavy metals.

Body Odor

Increased body odor is quite common during a detox. This is simply because there are so many toxins leaving the body all at once.

Weight Loss

Weight loss, which is usually smiled upon, also occurs during detoxing. The body naturally uses any extra fat cells to coat harmful toxins so they can’t harm the vital organs. Once the toxins are released, the body is then able to eliminate the fat cells as well.

Difficulty Sleeping

All the physical aches and pains and emotional disturbances can lead to many sleepless nights. The key is not to force the body to sleep, but rather to find a way to clear the mind of its troubles through meditation, a hot bath or light yoga exercises. Generally these techniques will help when practiced in the last hour before lights out.

The symptoms of detoxification are always the worse during the first three days of fasting or cleansing because this is the time when the most toxins are expelled. After that it gets much easier as strength and energy levels begin to return. At this point the symptoms will come and go, but they won’t be as severe. In most cases, one can return to normal duties after the first three days.

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All material on this website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or be used as a substitute for medical advice or medical treatments. All individuals are encouraged to check with a trusted health professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if health problems are already present.